Bearett's Story

Bearett Spencer Gillespie

August 2, 2016

7 lbs   19 in

This was my worst pregnancy (by far) and I was really struggling for several weeks before my due date.  Overall, I felt awful.  I gained more weight than ever before, I gained it faster and I gained it all over!  My pregnancy palpitations were worse, my sciatica was ever present and I was dizzy a lot due to low blood pressure and low iron.  Combine that with the 100 degree summer heat and the chaos of looking for a new house, I was miserable.

Our tiny guy was originally due August 22nd, but he was growing so fast, he was measuring 2.5--3 weeks ahead.  The girls all came several days before their due date, ranging from 10 days--2 weeks early, but my doctor was going on a long trip and was going to be gone during that time, so based on my new ultrasound measurements, she changed my due date so I could be induced before she left on her trip.

I hadn't ever been induced so I had no idea what to expect with that type of labor experience.  The hospital was SO busy the day I was scheduled that we didn't even get to go in until 6 pm.  I was only 37 weeks and only 3 cm (usually I was at least 4-6 cm once we got to the hospital) so I was nervous we wouldn't make the 8/2/16 cutoff I was hoping for.  We got things moving as quickly as possible once all the paperwork was done; I even okayed the resident to break my water to speed things up since he was in the hospital and my doctor wasn't (no need though, Shelly was coming from Lindon and still beat him).  Two attempts at my IV later, and epidural in, Shelly broke my water about 8 pm and we put in Avengers to pass the time.

The nurse checked me once my pitocin had been running for a few minutes and I was at 5 cm, so she said she'd come back in an hour or so to see how things were going.  I progressed very quickly after that and was completely dilated by 9:30 pm.  We waited a few minutes for the doctor to get back and 2 pushes later, at 9:40 pm, he was here! 

He came out crying like crazy, but because of how fast the labor progressed, the poor guy swallowed a bunch of fluid during delivery and was soon working too hard to breath so he was whisked away to the NICU with Spencer.  We had discussed several names for him, but never agreed on one and decided to choose once he was born (like we always do...) so since he was in the NICU and I had to stay in the delivery room I told Spencer to pick his name.  He was a little worried I'd veto it once he chose, but I assured him that since I got to pick Hazel (which he originally didn't like) that he could choose this one and I wouldn't protest. He came back to my room with a picture of our new baby and said he chosen the name Bearett. I told him I didn't think that name fit, but that it was probably because I hadn't seen much of him yet and he didn't look big enough to be a bear.  :)  We agreed on the spelling, and although he was in the NICU, we were elated he was here!

Disney Day 3

We bounced between the parks on our last day and let everyone choose their favorite things to do again.  We took the least amount of pictures this day but made the most of our last few hours at this magical place! 

 Sadie loved the Silly Symphony Swings!

 We couldn't leave without giving Daisy one more hug

 King Arthur's Carousel was closed the first two days so we jumped right on once it reopened

 

 Back to the Astro Orbitors 

Daddy, the Space Ranger

We spent a lot of time with the princesses and stopped to see everyone that was there!

 Flynn Rider and Rapunzel

Hugs from Cinderella

 Aurora

 Jasmine

 We ended the night with Mickey's Musical Parade and a quick ride on the teacups and Buzz Lightyear.  

 Every time we rode Buzz Lightyear, Afton would run to the Buzz gun in the giftshop, find the nearest Zurg, and shoot like crazy.  Every. Time.

The girls had also been saving their pennies for months so they could buy their own souveniers so we did some shopping on our way out.  Mom and dad got them each something and then they picked out presents with their own money.  Afton, of course, picked the Buzz Lightyear gun.

Until next time Disney!!

California Adventure!

We spent our second day in California Adventure and had a blast!  The girls were more prepared for the waiting by the second day so it was a little easier on them.  It was also SUPER hot that day so we took a lot of breaks for treats and ice cream.  :)

 The girls were in LOVE with this Disney Junior show.  We went to it twice.

 Dancing with Disney Junior

 Soarin' over California.  We all LOVED this ride.

Luigi's hover craft tires.   Sadie loved that we could steer just by leaning.

As simple as it is, the carousel was still one of their favorites.  They loved that each park had a different kind of carousel

Little Mermaid.  We went on this a few times too--way fun!

Afton fell asleep in the stroller while walking from one side of the park to the other, so dad and Sadie went on the Mickey Ferris Wheel without us while Afton napped on my shoulder.  Didn't even mind that we weren't riding, I loved every minute.

 Bug's Life Bumper Cars

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

Meeting Lightning McQueen

We stayed for the World of Color show but the girls got bored about half way through and our necks hurt from holding them on our shoulders, so we left, did some shopping and headed home to bed.  :)

Disneyland!!

Our first day in Disneyland was awesome!!  We chose a great time of year to go, but it had some disadvantages. For example, the park wasn't open as early or late as usual, several rides were closed for renovation, there were no fireworks during the week etc.  BUT we didn't wait longer than 30 mins for anything, the weather was perfect and since it was our girls' first time, they didn't know they were missing out on closed rides, shorter park hours, etc. so that worked in our favor.  :)

Here come the pictures!

   waiting for the park to open

 The girls were in HEAVEN driving the Autopia cars

eating snacks while waiting for the Nemo ride

We spent the rest of the morning in Toon Town meeting all the characters.  Such a different trip with young kids!  I'd never stood in line to meet a character before and the Mickey Mouse line ended up being our longest wait!

 

Daisy was Afton's favorite.  I just love this look of pure joy in her eyes.

Minnie's House

Afton called this the Daniel Tiger trolley.  Adorable

Gadget Coaster.  This girl is a thrill seeker, just like her parents!

We finally made it out of Toon Town and headed over to Fantasy Land for the Tangled show. This is the picture of a pretty freaking awesome dad.  We didn't make it in time to sit in the theater to watch the show so he stood in the back, scooped up both girls and let them watch like this for 30 mins.  He's also wearing a back pack.

 Excited for the Haunted Mansion!

 Sword fight in the Pirates gift shop

 Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.  We rode this SEVEN times thanks to Afton.  It was definitely her favorite! 

 Splash Mountain.  The girls did not love this ride. Sadie said "I think that last hill is just a little too tall for me..."

 Star Tours

 Astro Orbiters.  They loved anything they were in charge of driving.

Mad Hatter Tea Cups.  Another favorite that we rode several times!

My princesses

 

And this is how we ended night one.  :)  Afton crashed on the walk back to the hotel so we stopped to buckle her in before she fell out.  It was a jam packed day of incredible Disney fun!